As I sat in Lizotte’s Kincumber on Sunday night, I couldn’t help but do it with a twinge of sadness. It was the second-last show I had booked before the venue’s closing. I thought about that as I ordered the tempura prawns and herby battered fish and chips, two of my favourite items from Lizotte’s ever-changing menu. I poured over the wine list and figured it was time to try the Lizotte’s label sav blanc, knowing that I’d soon to have to drive to Newcastle for a glass. I thought about it as I watched the bands play intimate music so close to me, so easy to hear in this crowd of music lovers. The Central Coast is very lucky to have this venue which always makes a concert just that little bit better.
After all, I have only a vague recollection of Michael Duchesne’s time on The Voice, yet as he graced the Lizotte’s stage I was captivated from the first note. I think a venue like Lizotte’s encourages you to listen to lyrics and subtle nuances. Small songs work well here as opposed to network TV, and that’s where Michael excels. I could have listened to his voice all night, its warm richness and its raspy breaks. His originals were so impressive and his covers of songs by Bread and the Doobie Brothers were inspired. Needless to say, I left with his EP.
I was there to see another TV show success, Uncle Jed. I’ve actually never watched a full episode of Australia’s Got Talent, but they captivated me on the ads so I’d religiously get on YouTube and see what they were doing. They were one of those bands that I always meant to see, but hearing they were wrapping up Uncle Jed to launch another musical project gave me the impetus I needed. Again, Uncle Jed is a band that really deserves a space like Lizotte’s. Their songs are intimate and personal. They draw you in with lyrics that perfectly match their sublime harmonies. I knew I’d enjoy the songs they did on AGT like “Brother” and “Give Me Love,” but covers I hadn’t heard like “Latch” and “Everybody Here Wants You” were revelations. New songs from their next band Luna Grand ensure that this isn’t the last we’ll see of this talented act.
I wondered as I left where bands like this will play on the Coast when Lizotte’s Kincumber closes its doors. It’d be a shame to put them into pubs with inattentive patrons and poker machines. Perhaps bands will just start bypassing my local area and only playing Newcastle and Sydney. Whatever happens, I’m just glad I could see artists of this calibre playing at Lizotte’s Kincumber one last time.
Image source: own photos